Post-Graduate Diploma In Probation Practice And Correctional Studies

Rationale

The rule of law is part of a very complex and multifaceted concept that supports overall state building, societal development and social order. The role of Probation Service in this area is seen as pivotal in that the Probation Department is involved in the generation of information for the administration of justice. It provides services through reports that assist the courts in making informed sentencing decisions; supervision and rehabilitation of offenders in the community; and re-integration and settlement of offenders. The Probation Department also contributes to the rule of law through supervision of non custodial sentences administered through Community Service and Probation Orders sentencing options. Hence by offering this programme, the Department is meeting national priorities of crime prevention through the offender rehabilitation strategy by way of training Probation Officers in relevant courses. This will no doubt help in providing them with skills that will professionalize their work, meet the changing society‘s demands and legal framework. The training programme therefore, intends to provide knowledge, skills and techniques required by Probation Officers in rehabilitating ex-borstal inmates, probationers, community service supervisors, aftercare clients, the general youthful offending population and special needs offenders in an attempt to address the problem of crime in the ever dynamic world of crime. The curriculum has been developed through the analysis of information collected from Probation Officers, key duty bearers in the Criminal Justice System and different categories of offenders served by the Probation Department. It has been professionally formulated, structured and accredited by Egerton University to meet internationally recognized academic and professional standards. Crime has become a major impediment to development in most African countries. Effective crime prevention, control and offender management is essential as it provides a conducive environment for socio-economic and political development. This programme therefore, intends to inculcate a critical understanding of the fundamentals of contemporary skills, theoretical perspectives and policy issues within the offender rehabilitation and crime management realms. As such, training in rehabilitation and treatment of offenders through the synchronization of theory and practice (applied approach) takes centre stage in this curriculum. The emphasis on rehabilitation and treatment is based on the realization that the chances of a successfully rehabilitated offender leads to reduced crime, recidivism, improved correctional methods, service and enhancement of monitoring and evaluation of probation services. The training envisaged in this curriculum will therefore provide an opportunity to the Probation Officers to: harmonize their diverse academic and professional backgrounds; and be in tandem with the dynamics of offender management and crime prevention towards service delivery standardization which will significantly result in the successful rehabilitation of offenders. The curriculum will also enhance professionalism in the area of offender and crime prevention and management.

Programme Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide efficient and effective trained personnel required in service delivery with specific and clear focus on offenders and stakeholders for crime prevention, rehabilitation and reintegration. It is also intended to enhance capacity building in various correctional institutions. The specific objectives of the programme are: i) To appropriate professional and harmonize the skills and competencies for effective service delivery of Probation Services; ii) To equip trainees with theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and attitudes responsive to emerging needs and challenges in correctional services and criminal justice system; iii) To build capacity that provides for career mobility and specialization; iv) To produce practitioners who are able to apply their knowledge and skills in correctional and crime prevention and institutional management.

Admission Requirements

Holders of a first degree in Arts, Social Sciences, or other related discipline or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.

Course Structure and Duration

The Postgraduate Diploma in Probation Practice and Correctional Studies will be taken in the combinations of coursework, examination, field attachment and project report; The programme shall consist of a minimum of thirty (30) credit factors of coursework over two or three semesters for full-time and part time students respectively; The project report shall consist of four credit factors, seminars shall consist of two credit factors and attachments shall consist of three credit factors;The course work and examination shall be done and completed in the first and second semesters for full time students and first, second and third semesters for part time students; During course work, a student shall be required to take a total of twelve courses. A candidate shall choose one elective course from those tested in the areas of specialization. Field attachment is mandatory for students with no background of probation or correctional studies; In the third (for full time) or fourth semester (for part-time) of study, a student shall carry areas of specialization; The program shall extend for a period of not less than 9 months and a maximum of 12 months for fulltime students and 24 months for part time students; Exemptions from certain non core units may be granted to students who have undertaken similar course units at Undergraduate level and/or High Diploma levels at institutions recognized by Egerton University Senate; A maximum of 30% of credit transfer of B grade and above may be granted; Attachment where applicable will take eight weeks.

Course Coding

The course code is PPCS which stands for Probation Practice and Correctional Studies, followed by four digits. 1st digit denotes diploma; 2nd digit denotes postgraduate; 3rd digit denotes the nature of the field of study as follows:

1 = Core Courses;

2 = Elective Courses;

3 = Seminars

4 = Attachment

5 = Project Fourth digit denote sequence of courses in the program.

Examination Regulations

All examinations for this programme shall be conducted in accordance with examination regulations as stipulated in the Egerton University Statutes XXVIII

Grading SystemThe grading of examinations for this programme shall be conducted in accordance with Egerton University Statutes XXVIII

Graduation RequirementsTo graduate a student shall be required to take and pass ALL scheduled courses within the stipulated period.

Degree classificationDegree classification shall be in accordance with Egerton University Statues XXVIII